Guest Post & Giveaway with Author Emma Cane

Hello! My name is Emma Cane and my debut contemporary romance, A TOWN CALLED VALENTINE, hit the shelves this week. But this isn’t my first book. I’ve written twenty-five historical romances as Gayle Callen and Julia Latham, and I’ll continue to write them. But I’ve definitely enjoyed the challenge of writing stories set in contemporary times. That doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten my historical roots. I couldn’t help wondering what 19^th century people would think about my heroine, Emily Murphy. And before I knew it, Emily and Jane Austen (author of Pride and Prejudice) were talking in my head…

A conversation with Jane Austen

Jane: Why would you choose to live in a wild place like Colorado when you could live in a civilized city?

Emily: I’ve spent my whole life in San Francisco, but my mother is from Valentine Valley, Colorado. When she died, I inherited a building there. In order to sell it, I had to inspect it, of course.

Could you not send a footman?

No, I don’t have enough money for servants. So I struck out on my own. I arrived late at night in the mountains, stopped for a burger at Tony’s Tavern—

A burger?

A slice of beef.  That’s where I met Nate Thalberg, a local cowboy.

A cowboy? He does not sound like a man who could support you.

I don’t need to be supported—I thought I had that in my first marriage, but my husband left me penniless and alone. I was determined never to need a man again.

So you’re a widow?

I’m divorced.

Oh dear, I am so dreadfully sorry. That must be quite the scandal in Valentine Valley.

Actually, it’s not. And I was trying to keep to myself anyway. I discovered that my building had been vandalized by the last tenant, and that I was going to be forced to fix it myself, due to that pesky money problem I mentioned.

Do it yourself?

Yep, I would have to put up drywall, paint—everything, or no one was going to buy my building. And I really need the money, because I want to return to the University of California to study.

They allow women at University? How wonderful!

I knew you’d like that. Problem is, remember that cowboy I mentioned? He keeps insisting I need help, and in some ways, he’s right.

Ah, he is quite infatuated with you. Do you return his sentiments?

I don’t want to, but he’s so handsome and charming. And now I don’t know what to do—I’m attracted to Nate, but I can’t stay in Valentine Valley. And I certainly don’t want to uncover all the old family secrets. Oh, Jane, what should I do?

I’ve always found that in matters of the heart, it is best to trust in oneself. Or another way to make the decision: I think of what the Marquis de Sade would do—and do the exact opposite.

Uh…okay. Thanks for your advice, Jane…

So enough time travel. If you’ve been burned by love, what would you do? Run as fast as you can or take an emotional risk?  Remember, one lucky commenter will win a free book! 

 My review here: A Town Called Valentine

Thanks so much for stopping by Emma!!